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Iconographic Meaning

Dragon symbolizes power and masculinity. Plumes and winged caps denote official rank. Key pattern represents clouds, bountiful harvest, fertility. Coin design is emblem of wealth. Butterflies symbolize joy and felicity.

Cultural Context

utilitarian;household

Description

Plain white valance with five boats in black embroidery. Centre boat, three tier pagoda, three birds perched on top, carries five men, one sitting in middle and wearing brimmed hat, one standing on each side wearing pointed tassel caps, man at bow and stern each carry a lantern; mirror image butterflies flank pagoda. Boats on right and left of centre are mirror images. The smaller boats next to center have dragon head prow and flags and decorated standards at top of ships. Shows three people at center wearing hats, the middle one likely an important figure with a different hat on, and one man at stern. Boats at farthest ends have six men standing above deck, two in centre have brimmed hats, two at each end have plumed caps and carry tall banners. Right banners decorated with coin design; between banners is a butterfly. Bow of boat is key design. Mirror image at bottom of center boat shows man wearing an official's winged hat, rides beast with four legs, claws, and bushy tail; has tree in hand on right.

History Of Use

Blue and white embroideries are part of a long domestic tradition. Designs vary geographically but are constant within generations of families except for minor individual variations. Often used to decorate the bed which traditionally played a focal part in household ritual particularly at the new year when all household spirits were honored. They are family made, by women, and family owned. These embroideries were of no local commercial value.